Sibu folk also hold vigil in memory of Tok Nan

Members of SUPP and BN component parties lighting up the candles in memory of Adenan.

SIBU: Rain did not deter more than 100 people from attending a candlelight vigil organised by the five branches of SUPP and other Barisan Nasional component parties here to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of former Chief Minister, the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

Adenan, 72, passed away at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan at about 11.30pm on Jan 11 last year.

The five branches included Bawang Assan, Bukit Assek, Pelawan, Dudong and Nangka while the BN component parties represented were PRS and PDP. The two-hour ceremony at Sibu Gateway proceeded smoothly with members of the five branches lighting up candles for Adenan, who was affectionately known as Tok Nan.

The event saw Adenan’s favourite songs being played, including The Young Ones and Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.

SUPP Central deputy president II Chieng Buong Toon, who led the vigil, commended Adenan as a leader with wisdom and with a heart for the people of Sarawak.

“He managed the state justly and fairly, and protected the autonomy and the people here.

“He set his development vision for every Sarawakian, regardless of race and religion and worked with the people towards a harmonious Sarawak. He was a leader who deserved respect from all of us,” Chieng said.

Chieng recalled that when Adenan was in office, he had implemented policies and development with fairness. Adenan also allocated grants for Chinese education, recognised the United Examination Certificate (UEC) and allowed students from Chinese private schools to apply for loans and scholarships from the state government.

“He brought about an economic transformation, promoting economic growth and bringing rural development to be on par with urban development,” he said.

To Chieng, the most notable effort of Adenan for Miri was the abolishment of the toll at the Lanang Bridge.